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M.R. Subramani

A residue monitoring plan has been developed to ensure that the pesticide residue level is kept within the permissible limits.

Chennai , Dec. 29

THE Centre has decided to regulate exports of grapes from the country by monitoring the level of pesticide residues in the fruit.

This follows the finding of excess pesticide in at least two samples by the Pesticide Residue Committee of the UK.

Earlier this year, the committee had found 0.07 milligram per kg of methomyl against the permitted level of 0.05 mg/kg and 0.04 mg/kg of acephate against the acceptance level of 0.02 mg/kg in at least two samples.

Besides these two chemicals, the UK panel also carried out tests for presence of monocrotophos and methamidophos in the grapes consignments from the country.

Taking the results of the UK panel seriously, the Centre has decided to tackle the issue of pesticide residue at the farm level.

According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Exports Development Authority (Apeda), a residue monitoring plan has been developed to ensure that the pesticide residue level is kept within the permissible limits.

As per this, all farms producing grapes for exports will be covered, while exporters will have to register the farms that supply them the consignments.

"Every farmer, who intends to export directly or supplies fresh grapes to an exporter, will apply for registration of its farm to the district superintending agriculture/horticulture officer," Apeda said.

In turn, these officers will register these farms and record all data.

All farmers will be required to maintain field pesticide application records and each one's registration will have to be renewed annually every October.

Farmers would be required to follow only recommended package of practices and not use any banned pesticide.

The plan envisages at least three visits by the officials before the harvest and will also give control/corrective measures in case any defect is detected.

Following this, samples will be drawn for issuing pesticide residue certificate after which only the exporters will be given phytosanitary certificates, which are mandatory for any farm products to be imported into the European Union.

Phytosantiary certificates provide an assurance to importers that the farm product they are purchasing are safe for consumption.

The residue monitoring plan has quite a few checks and balances to ensure that residue levels are kept within the permissible levels.

Apeda is involved in the process of residue monitoring as it has been empowered as one of the export inspection agent by the Union Government.

Apeda has already recognised eight laboratories, including the National Research Centre for Grapes, Solapur, Maharashtra, for issusing the pesticide residue certificates.

The Centre has also come out with clear cut instructions on the permissible residue limits by the UK and Dutch Governments besides the EU.

During the last fiscal, 25,610 tonnes of grapes, valued at Rs 11 crore were exported against 14,606 tonnes worth Rs six crore the previous year.

The decision to monitor the residue level in grapes meant for exports follows a similar move to check presence of pesticide residue, banned colourants and aflotoxins in spices products.

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